New en-route Auto Program brings award-winning IMS UBI Intelligence solution to Ontario drivers.
Guelph and Waterloo ON, March 17, 2014 – The Co-operators is introducing the en-route Auto Program™ in Ontario, a unique offering that will allow for more customized auto insurance and lower premiums for safe drivers, based on usage-based insurance (UBI) technology developed by Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS). Beginning April 2, clients who sign up will receive an automatic five per cent discount and could earn up to 25 percent off their auto insurance, depending on their driving behaviour.
A small wireless telematics device is plugged into a vehicle’s port to track participating clients’ driving in real time. Data collected include instances of sudden braking and rapid acceleration; as well as the total distance driven and times of day. The information collected as part of the program will only be used to reward safe drivers – it will never result in premium increases.
“The en-route Auto Program is as customized as auto insurance gets,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “It’s an innovative program that not only allows your premiums to reflect your personal driving behaviour, but also provides you with reports you can use to become a safer driver.”
Participating clients can access their driving data online, including routes traveled, mileage, travel time, sudden braking and acceleration, as well as coaching tips, through the myenroute Dashboard. The information can be used by drivers to improve their driving behaviour, which could in turn result in more savings.
“Our insurance clients recognize the value UBI brings to their policyholders because it enables personalized auto insurance premiums based on individual driving behaviour,” said Dr. Otman Basir, CEO of IMS. “Our UBI Intelligence solution, powered by the DriveSync® connected car platform, is both scalable and cost-effective; empowering insurance clients to quickly deploy programs for their policyholders.”
The en-route Auto Program will be available in Ontario as of April 2, 2014. Upon enrolment in the program, a five per cent discount is applied automatically. When the policy comes up for renewal, and once the vehicle has passed 125 days and 1,000 km, the discount will be recalculated based on the data collected.
About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $34 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights’ Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean’s magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.
About Intelligent Mechatronic Systems:
IMS is a leader in connected car technology that enables drivers to be safer, smarter and greener. The unique approach of converging in-car infotainment, automotive telematics and wireless technology has resulted in an impressive range of solutions. From insurance and government, to fleets and everyday drivers, IMS technology revolutionizes industries. For more information, visit www.intellimec.com
